“Thanks for meeting with me,” Louis said to the attorney, Stephen Hudson, who sat across the table from him in his tiny office located two blocks from the wharf. “I need to know how the sale of Cuvier Shipping is coming along.”
“I’m sorry, but with all the bad press lately, I haven’t had many people express an interest,” the attorney said. “A year ago, I could have gotten you a good price for this business, but today with all the news surrounding Jean’s death, I don’t know. It may take some time.”
“I have another business interest that I’m pursuing; I don’t have a lot of time. Three months at the most. Have you checked with one of the larger shipping companies?”
“No, I always start with my contacts and then progress from there. I didn’t realize there was an urgency,” Mr. Hudson said.
“Well there is,” Louis said pushing away the guilt he felt at arranging the sale behind Marian’s back.
“Are you willing to take less than what the business is worth, just to sell it?”
“I might,” Louis acknowledged thinking about how Daniel Comeaux planned to retire soon. He didn’t want that mill to slip away from him. He needed the mill to turn it into the large-scale operation he had planned.
“Give me a week. I’ll speak with several people I know in the business and see what happens. I’ll send word to you, if I should hear anything.”
Louis started to rise from his chair. “All right, but I’m willing to make a really good deal on this company if I can get it sold.” He paused just before he left the office. “There is one other thing. Mrs. Cuvier is in mourning for the death of her husband. Please don’t disturb her with the details. Direct all inquiries to me.”
“Of course, Mr. Fournet. Women aren’t very logical when it comes to business decisions anyway. I will contact you as soon as I know something.”
“Thank you,” Louis said and walked out of the office.
After Louis found a buyer, he would convince Marian that selling was in her best interest. She could find another business for her son someday.